S-Video
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| S-Video plug (Female) | |
|---|---|
| Video Signal: NTSC, PAL, or SECAM Video |
Separate Video, more commonly known as S-Video and Y/C, is an analog video transmission scheme, in which video information is encoded on two channels: luma (luminance, intensity, "Y") and chroma (colour, "C"). This separation is in contrast with lower-quality composite video, in which all video information is encoded on one channel, and higher-quality component video, in which video information is encoded on three channels. S-Video carries standard definition video (typically at 480i or 576i resolution), but does not carry audio on the same cable.
The four-pin mini-DIN connector (shown at right) is the most common of several S-Video connector types. Other connector variants include seven-pin locking "dub" connectors used on many professional S-VHS machines, and dual "Y" and "C" BNC connectors, often used for S-Video patch panels. Early Y/C video monitors often used phono (RCA connector) that were switchable between Y/C and composite video input. Though the connectors are different, the Y/C signals for all types are compatible.
Pin Out
Pin 1 GND Ground (Y)
Pin 2 GND Ground (C)
Pin 3 Y Intensity (Luminance)
Pin 4 C Colour (Chrominance)
Usage
In many European Union countries, S-Video is less common because of the dominance of SCART, which allows RGB quality and is usually fitted to every TV. It is not usual to find S-Video outputs on equipment such as DVD players, although the player may output S-Video over SCART, but the TV may not be compatible with S-Video wired this way, and so would just show a monochrome image. In this case it is sometimes possible to modify the SCART adapter cable to make it work. Games consoles usually do not output S-Video, due to the dominance of SCART with its better RGB quality. However, in the US and other non-SCART countries, S-Video is provided but no RGB. The Nintendo 64 was an exception - NTSC models could output S-Video, but only with modification could they output RGB. PAL Nintendo 64 models could output S-Video but not RGB despite, that being the easiest way to connect if done via SCART.